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One of the co-founders behind the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has announced that corporate owner Unilever blocked the launch of an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who co-founded the company with his partner, announced how he will independently develop the controversial product as part of a personal series showcasing issues the company was prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Conflict Between Founders and Corporate Owner

The recent announcement escalates the continuing conflict between the internationally recognized dessert company and its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods giant which has owned Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

The co-founders maintain that Unilever along with their ice cream division Magnum unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's against "honouring its social mission".

The Fruit Flavor becoming an Emblem of Support

Mr. Cohen revealed through an Instagram video how he is creating a new watermelon-flavored sorbet, requesting consumer ideas for the product's name and additional components.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder stated in a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-based ice cream that calls for lasting ceasefire in Palestine while demanding addressing the harm that was done there.”

This particular fruit has become an emblem of solidarity with Palestinians due to its coloration, which match those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement and Recent Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in areas under Israeli control, resulting in Unilever selling their Israel business over to a local licensee, thereby permitting continued sales within disputed territories.

This upcoming dessert series will be developed under Ben's Best, the activist ice cream brand that was first established in 2016 to support ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes plus Future Plans

Mr. Cohen revealed how he plans to create other ice cream flavors focusing on issues that Ben & Jerry's was silenced from speaking about openly by Unilever.

The announcement comes after co-founder Mr. Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's in September, after many years of involvement, citing concerns that the company's autonomy was undermined after corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Ben Cohen stated that “My partner has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy so that the company can achieve its ethical purpose, the values which established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he told media outlets.

• Parent company limitations regarding political advocacy
• Personal flavor creation from company founders
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Ongoing disagreements between parent company versus ethical values